March 2013 Posts

Net Unrealized Appreciation: The Untold Story

If you participate in a 401(k), ESOP, or other qualified retirement plan that lets you invest in your employer's stock, you need to know about net unrealized appreciation--a simple tax deferral opportunity with an unfortunately complicated name....

Estate Tax After the Fiscal Cliff

Understanding the New Medicare Tax on Unearned Income

Health-care reform legislation enacted in 2010 included a new 3.8% Medicare tax on the unearned income of certain high-income individuals. The new tax, known as the unearned income Medicare contribution tax, or the net investment income tax (NIIT), took effect on January 1, 2013....

Understanding the Opportunities with Aid & Attendance Benefits

There's Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2012

There's still time to make a regular IRA contribution for 2012! You have until your tax return due date (not including extensions) to contribute up to $5,000 for 2012 ($6,000 if you were age 50 by December 31, 2012). For most taxpayers, the contribution deadline for 2012 is April 15, 2013.
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How to Leave Assets to Adult Children

When considering how to leave assets to adult children, the first step is to decide how much each one should receive. Most parents want to treat their children fairly, but this doesn't necessarily mean they should receive equal shares of the estate....

Protecting Inherited IRAs

Americans hold nearly $15 Trillion in IRAs and qualified retirement plans. Qualified retirement plan accounts
are asset protected under federal law. IRAs are protected to at least some extent under state law. Many wrongly
believe that these accounts will remain asset protected after their owners die....

10 Tips for Helping Families with Special Needs

There are unique planning requirements
of families with children, grandchildren or other family members (such as parents) with
special needs. There are many misconceptions in this area that result in costly mistakes.....(read more)...